Tangentially to my visit to the Crescent Arts Centre I was walking out of the centre and saw four booklets/leaflets which all generated from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and covering ‘discrimination’:

• A short guide to the role and services of the Equality Commission

• Gender Discrimination – Treated unfairly because of your gender?

• Sexual Orientation Discrimination – Treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation?

• Transgender Discrimination – Treated unfairly because of your gender identity?

I am highlighting these booklets/leaflets because the United Kingdom is currently undergoing seismic changes due to our withdrawal from Europe (Brexit). The impact of which we are only just beginning to see, but for those in minority groups the impact is becoming obvious through physical attacks, intimidation and verbal abuse by our an unwillingness to treat others with respect and care.

This disseminates through the rhetoric of many of our politicians, both national and local, and their thoughts and comments are often acted upon by individuals who have been easily swayed by what the politicians have said.

So back to my starting point, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, if you feel that yo are being unfairly treated in a work situation, or in a business transaction (shops, restaurants etc.) then tell the Equality Commission and take action to defend yourself and others. At least if nothing else you will find a listening ear, and a willingness to try and help.